Swim Trekking in the Galapagos Islands

In an unexpected turn of events, a new travel trend is taking over – swim trekking. Swim trekking is not simply a splash in the ocean then a return to dry land. Instead, the idea is to swim in and around some of the worlds most sublime oceans, lakes and fjords. After all, why only restrict yourself to trekking on land when the siren song of the ocean is calling?

Image courtesy of SwimTrek

Trend setters in the field of swimming holidays are British Travel Award nominees SwimTrek. The company began in 2000 when founder Simon Murie was planning his 30th birthday. Inspired by English Poet Lord Byron and his crossing of the fabled Hellespont which divides Europe and Asia in north-west Turkey, Murie decided he too would attempt to cross the strait. After spending a week jumping through governmental hoops he was able to do the swim… it took an hour. Realising that others may want to have their own swim adventures but are perhaps not so keep on hoop jumping, Murie founded SwimTrek. Three years of crafting and cultivating swim holidays around the world, SwimTrek now offer a variety of open water swimming holidays for those seeking something a little different including week long trips, micro swim tours and bespoke open water adventures to suit all.

At the top of many a bucket list is a trip to the Galapagos Islands. This volcanic archipelago, made famous by Charles Darwin, is home to a vast array of plant and wildlife, including sea lions, dolphins, turtles, tortoises, marine iguanas and more. With that in mind, SwimTrek offers a first hand experience exploring the diversity and natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.

Image courtesy of SwimTrek

The Galapagos Islands SwimTrek tour provides the opportunity to see the islands and the life it holds through a unique perspective. The tour will have you circumnavigate Daphne Major Island, swim in and around Tortuga Island’s iconic volcanic crater, offer insight into the biodiversity of the Galapagos National Park and Galapagos Marine Reserve and teach you about the conservation work and tactics of the dedicated local and international preservation team. And perhaps most exciting of all, you are given a rare opportunity to share the water with the local wildlife, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world.

Averaging 4km of swimming per day, the trek combines swimming with exploration and conservational education and is ideal for anyone with a sense of adventure and curiosity. The tour is fully guided with two SwimTrek guides, a full safety escort and support boats. The Galapagos National Park has provided full permission for open water swimming in the area to SwimTrek.

The seven-day swim trek starts at £3450. This includes six nights of accommodation, all breakfasts and lunches as well as dinner on day six, VIP service at Baltra Airport for both arrival and departure including transfers.